Summer EQ 2012

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Event CAlendar EAST In The News Summer Grant Awards ISTE- EAST Story Abroad Man Behind The Curtain Feature summer project geek speak

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SponsOr Spotlight east alumni faces of east about east east core east gear meet the staff

2012

JUNE 24 – 27 International Society for Technology in Education Conference in San Diego, CA This is the 33rd edition of this 4-day conference and exposition and one of the world’s premier education technology events. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology.

ISTE is also home to the NETS. The NETS are the standards for learning, teaching, and leading in the digital age and are widely recognized and adopted worldwide.

25 – 29 EAST Core Tier 2 Training This is a five-day fully immersive workshop for EAST Core.

JULY 2 Session Registration Closes Online registration closes for Tech Camp and/or Summer Seminar Sessions.

6 Drop Registration Date Last day to drop registration for Tech Camp and/or Summer Seminar without incurring fees.

9 – 13 EAST Phase 1 Training This is a five-day fully immersive workshop for new EAST facilitators.

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11 Payment Deadline & Prize Request Uploads Due Fees due for Tech Camp and/or Summer Seminar. Also, last day to submit training survey, photo, or document/form 17 EAST Pre-Seminar Tech Camp Optional one-day, hands-on technical training for facilitators.

EAST staff and industry professionals will give instruction in various technologies and software used in EAST classrooms.

18 – 20 EAST Summer Seminar The EAST Summer Seminar is designed to provide valuable ongoing professional development for EAST facilitators in a casual and relaxed atmosphere that allows for collaboration and sharing. Professional development hours are provided for participation over three days. http://www.eastinitiative.org/ summerseminar2012/ Attendance Requirement: Required for EAST facilitators with one or more full years of EAST classroom experience and who intend to return next school year to this same position.

30 – Aug 3 EAST Phase 1 Training This is a five-day fully immersive workshop for new EAST facilitators.

AUGUST Jul 30 – Aug 3 EAST Phase 1 Training This is a five-day fully immersive workshop for new EAST facilitators.

EAST In the News EAST in the News allows you to quickly see where the EAST Initiative has been spotlighted in the news around the state of Arkansas and beyond.

If you spot EAST in the news, send us an email at jana@eaststaff.org.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Ark. Mountain View High School EAST students were featured on Today’s THV for their work with Mountain View Police Department and Stone County Office of Emergency Management. The EAST students helped create a mobile distracted driving simulator, called “Th3 La$t M$g.” This video simulator allows drivers to see what will happen when you decide to text and drive.

LINK: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=211421

MAGNET COVE, Ark. Hot Springs County Now! featured Magnet Cove High School EAST students for their work to help aid tornado victims in Joplin, Mo. The EAST students worked with Mark Nicolosi, a videographer and director out of Nashville, Tenn., to create a music video for a Joplin-based country band, Livewire, in the aftermath of the tornado, which took place last year. Livewire performed “Miracle of the Human Spirit” in the video, which has been featured on Country Music Television and was showcased at the Tri-Lakes Youth Film Festival. The video was also used to raise awareness to donate funds to the victims of the tornado.

LINK: http://www.hscnow.net/mchsmusicvideo.html

STALKERS WAN TED:

links to the other channels, as well as acting as an online scrapbook of photos from events, classrooms and projects. The Like EAST Initiative & Follow Us EAST® Initiative’s Youtube page will be the broadcast network The EAST® Initiative is launching a robust social media in the bundle, regularly issuing new video releases supplied by campaign that will utilize the abundant tools, resources and facilitators and students. Facebook posts and tweets will happen audiences available on the Internet. The plan is designed to daily to encourage high interest and engagement with EAST approach the various outlets – specifically Youtube, Facebook social media sites and increase visibility in newsfeeds. and Twitter – as broadcast channels, each with a unique ability to capture the attention of current and prospective students, Suggestions for potential content are encouraged. EAST’s facilitators, schools and sponsors. Look for posts and features communications manager, Jana Wood, is collecting stories, tailored to capitalize on each channel’s strengths and match videos and photographs via email at jana@eaststaff.org. Become them with unique content, demonstrating the many successes a viewer and join the conversation. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, view us on Youtube, and read all about the magic achieved in EAST classrooms. of the EAST® Initiative at EASTinitiative.org.

“EASTword,” the EAST® Initiative blog housed at Eastinitiative. org is home base for the endeavor, allowing for the archival and permanent access to each story for future reference.

Tweets will be used to share headlines of stories posted in the blog, on Facebook, and Youtube. The Facebook page will share

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2012 Summer Grant Awards The EAST® Initiative recently awarded over $76,000 in grant funds to be shared by nine schools that participate in EAST. Facilitators at participating EAST schools submitted 100 words describing their proposed projects to be completed in the summer of 2012. The winning schools and their projects include:

Cutter Morning Star The TALON Tech Team engages students interested in technology and assists to integrate technology in their school district. The team will become familiar with the hardware/software in the district using the summer to fix long-standing technology issues.

The goal is to clean up machines, troubleshoot, and train to become a technology resource for the school district. Students will also be able to educate teachers to integrate technology into their lesson plans. The ISTE NETS will be the guidelines that the facilitator will use to prepare the Tech Team for their role; the school will utilize its best resource - its students.

Dardanelle “iPads for STEM” (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) at Dardanelle High School is designed to create a more engaging environment for students in math and science STEM courses and to provide access to mobile technology for students and teachers of these courses. The “IPADS for STEM” project utilizes technology to support instructional design for science and math curriculum. With the rapid growth of mobile devices arriving in the classrooms of today, this project provides the school with access to 17 IPads for science and math teachers to provide a more kinetic and effective learning environment in STEM classrooms. As a result, a partnership with the teachers and the EAST students is formed to address the use of mobile technology in classrooms.

well as interview additional veterans to include their reflections of the trip after returning home. In addition, the students will create a virtual reality tour of the WWII Memorial for the National Park Service in Washington, D.C.

Harrisburg Middle School This Summer Tech Camp will teach students, parents, community members and teachers a variety of frequently used EAST computer skills. Inspired by the new Common Core State Standards, EAST students will focus on helping learners develop skills that are necessary for project-based learning activities. Attendees will learn knowledge of basic computer skills, as well as learn to map with GIS/GPS devices; record, edit and publish videos; create e-books to share through electronic reading devices; and create QR code scavenger hunts to use during the school year to take students on virtual field trips around the world.

Malvern Junior High Malvern EAST students will create a documentary on the various entrepreneurs from their community. The film will give recognition to the notable figures in Malvern who have made their own success. More importantly, the project will educate students and other young people about the possibilities everywhere to find a solution with innovation. A lot of young people are unaware of entrepreneurship; the film project will provide valuable wisdom and advice to a generation of youth who want to make a difference in their community by solving real problems.

Har-Ber ( Springdale )

Mansfield

Har-Ber EAST Students will preserve the history of WWII Veteran memories of the May 2012 NWA Honor Flight to Washington, DC by creating a documentary, a promotional video, and photo disks for 82 WWII Veterans and their chaperones as well as the NWA Honor Flight organization. The students will compile and edit approximately 1500 pictures and 70 video clips of the event, as

EAST students will assist The Sebascott Development Council and the City of Mansfield in the revitalization of the Dixie Theatre. This will include an oral history documentary, promotional brochures, visual aids, and the development and implementation of a plan to get the building on the list of historic landmarks. Students will research the building’s history through oral interviews, record

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them, and produce a documentary for the council to use to further the endeavor to restore the property and publicize its restoration.

EAST students will collaborate with the city to get the property on the National Register of Historic Places.

Mt. Pine Success of Mt. Pine’s EAST Video Book Technology Camp prompted the program to take their technology and literacy combo on the road. EAST students will engage in a community partnership with Quapaw House Recovery and Wellness Center in Hot Springs. The camp will combine technology and literacy for “at risk” students.

Young authors will write a story; draw or take pictures to illustrate it; typeset the story; make a movie using their own voices; and transform their writing into a video book. EAST students will assist and support students throughout the process.

Sonora ELementary ( Springdale ) This multidisciplinary project focuses on the natural world of rural Northwest Arkansas. Sonora EAST students will map park hiking trails, receive GPS/GIS training, learn about endangered birds, geocaching, and complete an aquatic environmental study.

Students will explore their environment during the summer months. Each student will learn to map local areas using GPS/GIS technology, take photographs of natural wildlife, and explore the aquatic world of Beaver Lake. EAST students will be responsible for the planning, instruction, and implementation of this day camp.

Stuttgart Stuttgart EAST students will map the historic, African-American Love Rest Cemetery. EAST students will be teaching geospatial concepts while working closely with students from Meekins Middle School to complete the project. Students will map the cemetery using Trimble GIS/GPS, create a digital database, and print a large map of the cemetery. Not only will this project provide a service for the cemetery, but middle school students will receive training on the use of GPS and GIS hardware and software.

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International Science and Technology Educators Spotlight EAST Initiative’s Success The EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technology) Initiative will be featured at the International Society for Technology in Education’s annual conference in San Diego June 24-27. EAST will be one of five programs featured. The 2012 conference is the 33rd edition of the annual meeting that draws 15,000 educators, education leaders, and technology innovators from several countries.

ISTE features the best practices of each program in five- to sixminute videos that detail their efforts through personal testimony

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and case studies that demonstrate their success. Programs at Greenbrier High School and Sonora Elementary School in Springdale were featured in EAST’s profile, which included an extensive fire hydrant mapping project done for the Greenbrier Fire Department and student-driven news broadcast productions at Sonora. Student leaders featured in the videos spoke eloquently about their experience with EAST and personal satisfaction derived from their contributions to their hometowns.

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Man Behind The Curtain Tim Stephenson

The practice was embraced by the kids and, over time, evolved into community service for causes beyond the school grounds.

As Stephenson bonded with his class, their behavior improved and their families began to take notice. One boy’s father was an architect who was so moved by his son’s progress, he donated a computer and software for their use in class. Stephenson’s students were fascinated with the technology, and soon the teacher was soliciting additional hardware, software, and classroom space in which to install them. Their repertoire expanded to include CAD programs courtesy of a friend at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

The students’ ability to exceed their goals seemed to know no boundaries. Their ability to impress Texas-based Integraph, the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software, led to Stephenson’s first corporate sponsorship.

One of his early adopters was the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, which provided Stephenson’s class with a grant to build a fishery in which to raise catfish behind the school. The project’s success led supporters within the Foundation to encourage Stephenson to share his model with other teachers. Naysayers argued that the results were attributable to Stephenson’s personality and therefore, not transferrable to other teachers. “I believed the key to EAST was 95% teacher inspiration and 5% teacher training,” Stephenson said.

In 1995, Dr. Ray Simon, Superintendent of the Conway, Ark. school system, recruited a newly retired law enforcement officer named Tim Stephenson to tackle the challenge of educating students at the newly opened Regional Juvenile Detention Center. His success with the students attracted a bit of attention, most significantly from a member of Greenbrier’s School District board of directors.

The board member invited Stephenson to take on the 26 kids who comprised the local high school’s “at risk” program. These kids were on a similar track to the ones housed in the juvenile facility.

“They just hadn’t been caught yet,” Stephenson explained.

Stephenson accepted the assignment, despite the absence of a designated classroom and the attendance of a significant percentage of his students. Sharing space with other teachers required him to relocate his class on an hourly basis, losing kids and their interest in the process. Eventually he chose to convene behind the school’s cafeteria, seating his students on milk crates in a makeshift classroom. Attendance improved and the students expressed their appreciation to the cafeteria workers and maintenance crew by performing odd jobs around the school.

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In 1996, the first professional development session for potential facilitators was largely an experiment funded with a grant from the Department of Education, and assisted by CAST and the University of Central Arkansas in its design. Of the 10 teachers who went through the training, seven were able to replicate Stephenson’s results in their own classrooms. Stephenson’s third year in this new education model drew more corporate interest, a $1 million dollar sponsorship, and an official moniker – The EAST Initiative.

More than a decade after his milk crate days behind the Greenbrier High School cafeteria, more than 150,000 students have experienced the EAST education model. They have performed millions of dollars of community service alongside gaining valuable skills in the cutting-edge technologies needed for gainful employment in the future. Stephenson is semi-retired now, though he still acts as special liaison for professional development and support. At the EAST Initiative, he believes that teaching is a gift driven by artists who excel at inspiring students. “If you want to find a truly good teacher, ask them what they teach,” Stephenson advised. “If they say kids, not math or science, it speaks volumes about what drives them to teach.”

Man Behind The Curtain Matt Dozier

at his school. He went to training over the summer and began as an EAST facilitator the next school year.

“I started a program with the best kids on the planet and we had a very successful first year. Because of that, I was asked to help flesh out some of the professional development and try to figure out if we really could develop a training protocol that could impact teachers everywhere,” said Dozier. “We wanted to prove that you could do this with all kinds of different teachers everywhere. We were very successful.

“Over the next several years, as my program continued to grow, so did my work on behalf of what was becoming the EAST Initiative.

At the time, it was just a loose confederation of facilitators, students and schools scattered across the state. We had no idea that it would grow to be as big as it was. When I started in EAST, there were less than 10 programs involved.”

In 2001, Dozier finally left his classroom. In order to take the EAST Initiative to the next level, he had to make a choice. “I had to choose whether or not I wanted to be a full-time facilitator and help a hundred kids a day or come work for the Initiative and help thousands and thousands. It was a hard choice, but it was also a logical choice to come and do this.”

Dozier has been working full-time for EAST since 2001. “In that time, I’ve had a lot of different jobs. I was the communications director, professional development trainer and program director. In 2007, the Board of Directors asked me to step into the President and CEO job. Since that time, my job has been to corral all the different facets of EAST so that we can move forward.” Growth has been steady during Dozier’s tenure, and with the addition of EAST Core in 2011, the Initiative is poised to provide the transformational “I first got introduced to EAST when I was teaching at North education experience to an even greater number of students in Pulaski High School. At the time I was a Speech and English the future. teacher. The principal had ideas on bringing something in that would help change the school culture,” said Dozier. “He asked me “Beyond just new initiatives, such as EAST Core, there are a lot of and a small group of people to go and take a look at this brand students in the state of Arkansas, in our region, and in this country new project that was being run out of Greenbrier, Arkansas, called that have yet to have an EAST experience, and they deserve EAST. one. We’re working to expand as much as we can to offer that opportunity to as many people as possible.

“I was incredibly impressed [by the program]. When we came back from that meeting, I remember my principal asking me what “We believe that the work we’re doing in trying to expand EAST I thought and I told him, this is something we absolutely need to is actually meeting not only regional, but also national goals. We do, and that’s how my EAST story started.” believe we’re helping to create the most viable, innovative and prepared generation of students in history.”

Dozier then accepted the challenge of starting an EAST program The history of the EAST® Initiative is not complete without the mention of Matt Dozier, current President and CEO of the organization. Dozier was among the first group of teachers introduced to the concepts of the EAST educational experience, and he could be considered one of the original architects of the EAST pillars.

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Feature Summer Project Sonora Elementary

Summer memories are filled with creeks and critters; hikes and hunts; and frogs and friends. While that is what most kids want to experience, students at Sonora Elementary asked, “Why not add learning to the list?”

“Sonora EAST students will host two one-week summer camps for students going into kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. This camp will focus on the environment that surrounds our community.

This summer, the EAST program at Sonora Elementary will allow “Sonora is a rural community just East of Springdale, Arkansas. students, kindergarten through third grade, to learn about the Beaver Lake and the White River tailwaters literally border our school and make up a large part of our spatial surroundings. natural world of rural Northwest Arkansas.

While working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the “This project will focus on teaching students skills, such as Arkansas Environmental Educational Association, the Springdale mapping of park hiking trails, GPS/GIS training for students, the Public Schools Education Foundation, and the Beaver Lake study of endangered birds, geocaching tutorials, and an aquatic Project’s Office, Sonora EAST will provide an educational service environmental study,” said Josh Worthy, EAST facilitator for Sonora to any student in the Springdale Public Schools district between Elementary School in Springdale, Ark. “This is an opportunity the ages of four and nine. for kindergarten through third grade students to explore their “This project really is about getting kids off the couch this summer environment during the summer months. and exploring the nature around their community,” said Worthy.

“Each student will learn to map local areas using GPS/GIS “This camp possesses some amazing technology that should help technology, take photographs of natural wildlife, and explore the entice a lot of younger kids to check out the area. Arkansas has aquatic world of Beaver Lake. EAST students will be responsible a rare natural beauty and our EAST kids want to help get younger for the planning, instruction and implementation of this day camp. kids active and involved around the area.”

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Technical Support: Issue Spotlight To: EAST Technical Support From: Student Ticket: We just purchased several new workstations running Windows 7 Professional. We hooked up the computers and plugged them into the network jacks in the wall and they have internet; however, we cannot connect them to our domain server. What do I need to do?

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One of the most common problems EAST’s Technical Support Group receives calls about is trouble connecting to a server.

You’ve received new equipment, or you’ve had to reinstall an operating system on an existing workstation in your classroom.

You plug it into your existing network, have installed all necessary drivers, and can get Internet access, but the machine won’t let you join it to the domain server in your classroom so you can log in and have access to your Z: folder. What can cause this?

browser’s address bar, you’ll be taken to Google’s homepage.

What was Google’s IP Address again? Figured you might not have remembered it…and that’s where DNS comes in. DNS translates the address you enter (www.google.com) into an address that computers understand. Humans can remember words better than numbers, and that’s why DNS is so handy. Now, in the case of your EAST classroom network, the DNS server should be the IP Address of your server, which is commonly 192.168.1.2. This configuration is necessary so that when you join the workstation to the domain by The number one thing to check in this scenario is the computer’s entering the domain name (e.g. east.program), the DNS server can Domain Name Server (DNS) settings. Before we dive into the resolve that name into the correct IP address. If you don’t have solution, let’s explain what DNS is and its purpose. A DNS server the correct DNS server configured, the machine won’t join, or it translates IP addresses into words that people can understand. An will join but you experience logons that take 5 minutes or longer.

IP Address is a unique string of numbers separated by periods that identifies each computer attached to a network and/or the Internet. The best way to test if you are using the correct DNS information For example, one of Google’s many IP addresses is 74.125.227.19. on your workstation is to perform the following steps: If you go into a web browser and enter that IP address into your Run the ipconfig /all command from the Command Prompt on the server in your EAST Classroom. To open the Command Prompt, go to Start > RUN, type CMD and press ENTER. Type ipconfig /all and press ENTER. Scroll up/down until you find IPv4 address.

Make a note of the address listed.

Run the ipconfig /all command from the Command Prompt on the workstation in your EAST Classroom that won’t join correctly.

Scroll up/down until you find DNS Servers. Make a note of all addresses listed.

Compare the IPv4 address obtained from the server to the DNS Server addresses you obtained from the workstation.

If the IPv4 address isn’t listed in the workstation’s DNS Servers, you’ll need to take steps to assign Static DNS addresses. (See below) If the IPv4 address from the server is listed in the workstation’s properties, there’s probably another configuration issue that would require additional troubleshooting.

Steps to assign Static DNS Server addresses on a workstation: Go to Start > RUN, type ncpa.cpl and press ENTER. A window opens with your Local Area Connection in it. Select the Local Area Connection, right click, and select Properties.

In the Properties dialog window, select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click the Properties button.

In the TCP/IPv4 Properties window, look towards the bottom and you should see two radio buttons. Select the radio button that says Use the following DNS Server addresses: and type in the IP address of your server in the preferred DNS server field.

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Free Software for Students Several software companies make their software freely available to students for educational purposes or decide to offer a version of their software for free. Unity3D, Archicad, BuildAR, D’Fusion Augmented Reality Studio, and Trimble Sketchup8 are among the freely available software offered to students.

Unity3D is available for free download for Windows and Mac OS X. The free version is not fully featured like the Pro version, but will give students an opportunity to learn the software and familiarize themselves with the workflow. The download is available at: www. unity3d.com/unity/download/.

To register for a free student license, you can go to the sites listed below and download the software, typically after registering an email address and filling out a small form. Students can download this software for use on their personal computers or home computers to work on projects or simply to try out the software and learn a bit more about using it.

Trimble SketchUp, formerly Google SketchUp, is offering a free version of their software to download at: www.sketchup.google.com/product/newin8.html and use. All of the powerful and familiar features of the SketchUp you know and love are still at your fingertips.

Graphisoft ArchiCAD is offering their software with a 30-day full trial. Students can get a one-year extension of the trial until they are no longer a student. The student license requires creation of an account with Graphisoft. You can register and download ArchiCAD at: https://myarchicad.com.

BuildAR is offering a free trial download with full functionality except for saving scenes. BuildAR allows you to build 3D augmented reality scenes. You can download the trial at: www. buildar.co.nz/download-manager/.

Autodesk offers a majority of their software to students at no cost.

This includes over a dozen powerful, professional-level software titles including Softimage, AutoCAD,3ds Max, and Autodesk Inventor.

You can check your eligibility and register for your free Autodesk software at: http://students.autodesk.com/?nd=download_center.

D’Fusion Studio is another great augmented reality builder. D’Fusion is available for free download with full functionality and only a slight water mark on your scenes. The download is available at: https://community.t-immersion.com

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Solid Edge is offering a one-year personal student license for free.

Solid Edge is an extremely powerful CAD software used by engineering professionals. You can register for your student license at: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/ en_us/products/velocity/forms/solid-edge-student.cfm.

Free and Open Source Software Spotlight

Open Source software is software that is created and maintained by a community of developers for the community of users across the globe. Open Source software is free to change, distribute, copy, give away, download, and is almost always given free of charge.

Open Office is free and the Open Source office productivity suite is compatible with Microsoft Office. Open Office is created and maintained by an online community of developers and users for Mac, Windows, and Linux computers. Open Office features a Word Processor, a spreadsheet editor, a Slide show presentation creator.

Open Office is available for free download at http://www.openoffice.org/.

There is a lot of software available online for “free.” However, the definition of “free” varies depending on whether or not you’re looking at an open source program, a freeware program, or a shareware program. All three of these can come bundled with tool bars in the installers and require a bit more care when installing to avoid downloading unwanted software.

Open Source, Freeware, Shareware, & the differences between them Open source software is considered “completely free.” Open source software is developed and maintained by a community online. A great many tools are open source. An example of an open source program would be Open Office.

Freeware is free to download and use, but you cannot redistribute it without permission, and the software is copyrighted by a company. iTunes is a perfect example of a freeware program. You can download and use iTunes for free, but Apple “owns” iTunes.

Shareware is a very generic term for software that is meant to be shared freely, however, this term is not always applied to software you can just copy and give away. Shareware, as it is used on c|net’s download.com, refers to trial software and evaluation software that is made available by their respective software companies. These programs are either not fully featured or only work for a limited time before requiring you to buy something.

When you download an open source, freeware, or shareware program, you should be aware that sometimes these programs

come bundled with tool bars and other programs that you do not need, and typically do not want. Besides using up precious hard disk space and critical system resources, some of these tool bars can slow your computer down, and possibly even pose security risks. Always read the screen before clicking the next button on the installer, as this is how many of the installers “trick” you into installing things you don’t need or want. You should also carefully read any check boxes you see. Sometimes a homepage can be changed, or a new default search provider can be set without your knowledge unless you read the check boxes.

Always decline offers and licenses for software that is not what you are trying to install. Many times, the installer will ask you if want to decline or accept the offer for a tool bar, but most people will click accept thinking it’s the license for the software they are installing. The best way to avoid filling up your hard drive with unneeded software is to read everything, and be careful when installing open source, freeware, or shareware.

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iPads in Education With the recent developments in technology, it is not uncommon for the education system to start advancing along with these technologies. One of the most recent and thrilling technologies that is pushing the envelope with education is the tablet. This concept of the tablet has been around in mobile computing for a while. However, the iPad became the shining spectacle of tablets at its release. This device has shown tremendous potential for educational use. The App Store is full of resources for facilitators and students.

Another revolutionary feature that the iPad has is AirPlay. This allows the iPad to display content over the air to other devices, especially the Apple TV. The iPad and Apple TV have the ability

to sync up and project your iPad’s screen on any television or projector with HDMI input. This is very useful for presentations, videos, or an occasional play through of Angry Birds. Apple recently announced that textbooks would be available within the Apple iBooks Store. If you own a Mac, you can even download the free iBooks Author program that allows you to create your own textbooks and manuals for the iPad. With all of these developments, the iPad is looking at being the next necessity for a 21st century education.

Some “EAST-Approved” apps are: GarageBand iMovie iPhoto Keynote Pages Fruity Loops Dropbox

Virtual & Augmented Reality EAST has undergone a total revamp of our Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR and AR respectively) software. We are installing three pieces of VR/AR software for the 2012-2013 school year. The 3DVista Studio Enterprise suite is a new but familiar software package. This suite aims to accomplish all of your virtual reality needs. The applications (Show, Stitcher, Skin Editor, and Floor Plan Maker) work together seamlessly to create an immersive virtual reality experience. Many schools have used virtual reality software to create virtual tours of their school. However, this software can do much more than that! Creating a virtual tour of a museum with interactive exhibits would be a neat place to start. Being able to click on an exhibit and learn more about it and/or getting a video of the exhibit in action would be great publicity for the museum and your EAST program.

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Augmented reality (AR) is another concept in which EAST has found major potential. This year we are introducing two brand new pieces of software that allow for very in-depth AR models and a more hands-on approach on how they are made. BuildAR Pro and D’Fusion Studio both allow for marker-based tracking (i.e. using paddles with black and white icons on them), but they also allow image-based tracking, which is something that EAST has not released before. Image based tracking allows you to map your AR model to interact with any image. This could allow for you to have a robot model dancing on a picture of the moon. Augmented reality could be used for making great instructional materials.

Students can create visual models to interact with lessons in other classes. These models can help illustrate a topic better, and perhaps enhance the regular classroom-learning environment.

Sponsor Spotlight

For many non-profits, corporate sponsorships are critical to success. Support comes in all shapes and sizes but is typically provided for an event, project or program. “The EAST Initiative is extremely fortunate to have some of the most passionate corporate sponsors in the nation,” said Dr. Angela Kremers, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy. “Not only do many of our sponsors support us through funding, they also partner with us to impact education and communities.”

Charlie Fitzpatrick, School Program Manager at Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc.) in Redlands, California, is one such example. For nearly a decade, Esri has supported EAST through Silver and Gold sponsorship for our national conference.

And that is just one part of their support. Fitzpatrick attends the EAST conference to capture the minds and inspiration of the next STEM generation. He writes in his blog about EAST, advocates, hosts student competitions and invites students to present at Esri’s national conference. “Arkansas deserves attention for their project-based learning (PBL) model called EAST, “ said Fitzpatrick

in his Ersi blog entitled PBL? Look EAST!. “The full range and quality of EAST projects is, in a word, stunning – like the kids themselves.”

EAST benefits from Esri’s long time support of the use of sophisticated technology, such as GIS in classrooms around the world. We receive software at deep discounts and have received assistance to embed GIS into our education model. Students and teachers use GIS to build knowledge and solve problems in their communities, thanks to Esri.

“Esri was one of the first and remains among the strongest believers that EAST students can achieve greater when given the tools coupled with opportunities,” said Jerry Prince, Senior Director of Program Services at the EAST Initiative.

With sincere gratitude for corporate sponsors like Esri, we are able to have a greater reach and impact on education nationally; one community at a time.

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EAST Alumni - Mentors in the Making

“I don’t really know where I will be in 5 years, but I do know this: I will be somewhere higher. It’s going to be somewhere higher because of what EAST did for me, and what it does for current students as an organization. It gives you opportunities.” - Tevin Wooten, EAST alumni

Has your EAST experience changed the way you look at your education, your community, or your ability to positively impact the world? Now that your high school classes are behind you, we invite you to join the EAST® Initiative as a member of our alumni association.

Your success is something we want to celebrate. Your achievements will inspire others to strive. You are blazing trails for students to follow in the future, so help us mark the path with stories about the places you are going and the work you are doing. Your membership in this exclusive association will grow in prominence as more of you become meaningful contributors to the organizations that hire you. Let the EAST Alumni Association become the team who touts your success for employers throughout the country and builds your collective reputations for the future.

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Membership in the association will include your subscription to the EAST alumni magazine that will keep you informed on the activities and accomplishments of your fellow EAST graduates, cutting edge trends in technology, as well as the ongoing growth of the EAST® Initiative nationwide. Planning for an alumni reunion is currently underway, and as with all things EAST, your ideas and input will shape it into a signature event.

Your feedback and support will also inspire the EAST students of tomorrow as they begin their EASTern journey. Pay it forward to ensure that the trail you blazed does not end with you, but rather offers solid footing for the thousands of students who come behind you. Your support through the alumni membership will continue to build EASTward expansion into the future.

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EAST Quick Facts EAST is an educational model in which students choose their own projects based on the needs of the community. They then work to solve those problems using teamwork and collaboration, as well as cutting-edge technology. In this way, they accomplish far more than is usually expected of students. They also develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, a sense of responsibility and increased self worth, all while improving their communities. The nonprofit EAST Initiative has been helping schools across the country to implement EAST programs for over thirteen years. It began with one school in Greenbrier, Arkansas and has spread to over 200 schools in 8 states, with enrollment of nearly 15,000 students. EAST has been named a model program by the United States Departments of Education and Labor.

Four Pillars of EAST Self-direction

Teamwork

Students design projects based on their interests and talents.

Students work with their peers and community members to collaboratively address problems.

Technology

Service

Students use industry-grade, sophisticated tools and software to solve the problems that they identify in their communities, going above and beyond traditional ‘community service’.

Students identify and work to solve problems within their community, at the school, local, state or national level.

EAST Statistics “EAST students contribute 1.5 Million service hours annually with an economic impact of over $15 Million in Arkansas.”

• EAST students are more likely to graduate from high school.

• EAST students are more likely to attend college and pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) areas.

• EAST has impacted over 150,000 students nationally since 1996.

Every year, EAST focuses on a conference theme. The 2012 - This year’s National Service Project is Opportunity & Entrepreneurship.

2013 theme is “EAST=(ME)2” which was designed by Elise Fry of How will you innovate to impact your community?

Batesville Junior High School

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2012 – EAST recognized as Green STEM Innovator

by National Environmental Education Foundation

2012 – EAST Core pioneers in five schools for 2012-2013 year bringing the EAST model into math and science classes

2011 – EAST collaborates with Arkansas STEM Works to introduce EAST® Core

2010 – EAST receives Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) award for Esri

2009 – “EAST” is recognized by the Federal Office of Trademarks and Patents with registration status

2006 – EAST awarded 2006 Southern Growth Policies Innovator Award as an exemplary initiative in technology and innovation

2004 – United States Department of Education names EAST a “model program”

2008 – EAST is recommended as a solution for Arkansas communities at Arkansas Works 2008: The Governor’s Summit on Education and Economic Development

2008 – The George Lucas Foundation spotlights EAST at Edutopia.com as “Schools That Work” model

2001 – EAST incorporates as a 501©3 charitable nonprofit in December

2001 – United States Department of Labor recognizes EAST as an “innovative initiative”

2001 – Arkansas State Legislature votes to continue funding the EAST Initiative

2000 – EAST hosts first annual conference celebrating the work and achievements of the nearly 5,000 students participating in the EAST program

1997 – Expansion of the EAST model began with the support of the Arkansas Department of Education

1999 – Arkansas State Legislature provides seed funding for additional EAST classrooms to be opened throughout the state

1996 – First EAST® classroom opened in Greenbrier, AR under the direction of Tim Stephenson, a retired veteran and police officer

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EAST CORE

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EAST Core The standard EAST® program has demonstrated to be a very powerful model for the development of STEM and 21st Century skills, however, is not linked formally to a curricular sequence or core course.

The EAST® Core approach will allow for positive synergies between core classes and the facilitated, standard EAST® model, which allows students the best of both approaches.

The EAST® Core model focuses on extending problem-based learning opportunities within the required coursework by enhancing the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

It is an effective pipeline into higher education STEM programs, which, in turn, leads to economic development through a workforce ripe with STEM talent.

STEM Works is an initiative of the Arkansas Governor’s Workforce Cabinet and includes, among other programs, support for implementation of EAST® Core Schools, the establishment of New Tech Network, expansion of Project Lead the Way to additional schools, and UTeach. All of which are collaborative approaches to improve STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.

“The educators who are participating in Tier II training are collaborating on many different aspects of EAST Core as they prepare for the 2012-2013 school year. Each of these teachers, representing five pioneer schools, have brought their own unique energy, professional experiences, and content area knowledge to the process,” said Dondi Jackson, Senior Director of Curricular Integration at the EAST Initiative. “We are fortunate to have some great partners join us during our week of professional development such as Shelley Dirst from iTunesU and the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST) at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. EAST Core Biology and Geometry are launching this fall. Great things are in store!”

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Click here for Order Form

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Lacey Brooks

calvin bramlett

Jana Wood

I am about to enter my last semester at OBU studying mass communication and psychology. When I graduate, I would like to work in Public Relations with a non-profit organization or music venue. I enjoy reading, watching movies, going to concerts, volunteering with organizations, and spending time with my family and friends.

I’m a Rosebud EAST Alum where I served in a leadership role and 3 years on the documentation team at conference. I started my own Graphic Design & Photography business my senior year that I now do on my free time. I graduated from SAU Tech with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design, and a Technical Certificate in Web Design. - @calvinbramlett

I am a proud parent of an EAST Alum who has been an advocate for the Initiative for more than a decade.

I have been interested in communications since I was seven months old and ended up pursuing a career in the field. I plan on making EAST socially robust and will strive to highlight the great things our students and schools are doing.

Cody Jones

jessica brents

eric holt

I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. After graduation I went into public accounting. My main job duty was preparing tax returns, both individual and corporate. However, I also assisted on audits, prepared financial statements, prepared payroll reports, and had other accounting responsibilities. -@codyjones20

My passion for event planning developed during my time at Lyon, where I planned over 60 social events and fundraisers. I graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s in Psychology, and then pursued my passion with a Master’s in Event Management from George Washington University.

I graduated with a BA in English from UCA and went to LSU for a Master’s in library and information science.

After working in LA. as a system libraian, I decided that I enjoyed the programming part of my job the most. I moved back to AR where I studied computer science at UALR. I then worked at DataPath as a web programmer for 6 years.

Communications Intern

Staff Accountant

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Front-End Designer

Events Coordinator

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Communications Manager

Internet Services Manager

Matt Dozier

Reuben Canada

Tami Baker

I became affiliated with EAST in 1998 while teaching at North Pulaski High. I became a member of the first EAST Professional Development traing team, helping develop curriculum and train hundreds of teachers as this program spread to over 200 schools in 8 states. I joined the EAST staff full-time in 2001 and was named CEO in 2006. - @matt_dozier

I am a Paris High EAST Alum and a graduate of UALR College of Engineering and Information Technology.

I play a primary role in supporting schools when technical issues arise. In my free time I like to tinker with computers and cars, play and compose piano, as well as enjoy the great outdoors.

- @cubanreuben88

I was a 6 year veteran EAST facilitator, starting a program for McGehee High and Rose Bud High. Before that I taught high school business classes, as well as business classes at UAM College of Technology in McGehee. I am a U of A Boll Weevil alum with a BS in Business Education.

President & CEO

Technical Support Manager

Program Coordinator

Brice Smith

Dr. Angela Kremers

I am an EAST Alum from Fordyce, AR. I currently attend UALR where I am studying Information Science.

I am an Apple Certified Associate in Mac Integration.

My other interests include: network and computer security, the Boston Red Sox, modeling EAST Gear, and long walks on the beach.

I have been fortunate to have the role of teacher, college administrator, education nonprofit & philanthropy Sr. Director, and former EAST Board member. Each provided a platform to share my passion for making a difference for students and communities. I earned my Doctorate in Education from UALR & have been published. Last book read: Creating Innovators by Dr. Wagner. -@EASTdevelopment

Technical Support Group - Member

Sr. Director of Corporate Strategy

Melissa Gallegos

Dondi Jackson, Ed.s.

Adam Clemons

I’m a coastal girl who lived in California, Hawaii and Japan for most of my life before landing permanently in Arkansas. I subscribe to Real Simple Magazine, am restoring a 65 VW Bug, and enjoy watching train wrecks on reality TV. Running the Amazing Race, taking a cruise, and running a marathon are three of my bucket list items.

I earned my Masters degree in Instructional Technology from Mississippi State University and my Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from ASU. Currently, I am seeking my doctorate in Ed. Leadership at ASU. Though orginally from the Mississippi Delta, I now call Jonesboro, AR. my home.

I am an Information Science Major at UALR. I was an EAST student at Mena Middle and Mena High Schools until going to Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts and graduated from ASMSA in 2009. I love to play guitar and tinker with anything mechanical or electronic. I’ve been with EAST since June 2011.

Director of Curricular Integration

Sr. Director of Curricular Integration

Technical Support Group - Member

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Doug Gusewelle

phaedra hawkins

Tim Stephenson

I am part of both the Communications Team and the Tech Support Group. I handle our video/ audio needs among other duties as assigned. I have an associates degree in Computer and Electronic Engineering Technologies from ITT Tech. I also dabble in 3D animation and CGI. I am an avid supporter of Blender 3D.

I was welcomed to the EAST family in 2007. My growth has developed into student training and events coordinator. I’m currently pursuing a BS in Psychology.

My passion is helping others and watching my daughter play basketball for the University of Kansas. Go JayHawks!!

While it’s hard to focus on myself, I can say that as the Founder of EAST, I have been fortunate to gain unique life experiences that I have carried with me. Inspiring others brings meaning to all I do and I balance that with tinkering with antique motors and engines. I take risks when needed and am very proud of what EAST has grown into. I look forward to seeing EAST continue to grow nationally.

Technical Resource Specialist

Training & Event Coordinator

Special Liaison for Program Support

Melanie Ridlon

Tim Van Dusen

I joined EAST in 2002 and provided office support, coordinated logistics for student Technical Training Sessions and Events, and supported the EAST programs as a member of the Site Support Team. I’m a UALR graduate with a BA majoring in Music and minored in Business Management, Human Resources, and Small Business Management.

I graduated from Austin College with a degree in Communications but soon found myself immersed in the world of computers. In 2007 I visited EAST Conference as a parent and thats all it took. Two months later I joined the EAST Staff and have not looked back. I enjoy conducting student trainings in video editing and system administration.

Sr. Director of Operations

Network Manager

Lisa Cook

Mary Forst

Jerry Prince

I have been involved with EAST in some way since 2005. I worked in two different school districts where I also coached basketball, volleyball, track, and even football. My favorite thing about working here is having more than 25 minutes to eat lunch, and not having to stand 5 deep to use the teacher’s lounge microwave!

I joined the staff in Sep. 2009 as the staff accountant.

I recieved a BS in Accounting from UALR, and now currently pursuing my Masters in Accountancy at UALR. I enjoy the strong team enviroment and friendly atmosphere here. Outside of work I enjoy attending sporting events for my two sons and spending time with my friends and family.

I entered education as a subsititue teacher after a brief trip in communications. I started the EAST program in Marshall and later started a program at North Ar. Community College in Harrison. I joined the staff in 2003 as the Tech Team Leader and then took on the role as leader of Program Team in the spring of 2008.

Program Coordinator

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Chief Financial Officer

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Sr. Director of Program Services

220 schools - 6 states A world of Support

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Coming Soon

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fall 2012 Getting ready to go back to school

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Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

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